Get matched with top plaster repair specialists in Sidney, MT

Plaster ceilings can sag for several reasons. In some cases, the plaster and other building materials shift and come apart over time, which is why you’ll commonly find drooping plaster ceilings in older homes. Improper installation, foot traffic, and water damage—often from a leaky roof or a broken pipe—can also cause plaster ceilings to sag.

If your home was built before the 1940s and was not remodeled in the past 50 or so years, you probably have plaster walls. Aside from assuming, there are some practical ways to tell if you have plaster walls, including the following: If you knock on the wall and it feels solid, not hollow, if you can’t insert a thumbtack easily, if there are cracks that look like spiderwebs, or if your home has curved, arched, or swirled walls, doorways, or window openings.

If you have an unfinished basement or attic, you could examine the backs of any finished walls to check, too.

Common causes of ceiling cracks along drywall seams include poor drywall installation techniques, structural issues, truss uplift, and foundation problems. Temperature and humidity also play major roles in ceiling cracks flush with the wall. As the drywall shrinks and expands from major temperature changes or extreme humidity shifts, this can cause the drywall to crack.

Generally, your homeowner’s insurance might only cover ceiling collapses caused by problems under the coverage, such as a busted pipe. But if the ceiling collapse resulted from owner negligence, maintenance issues, or other reasons excluded by your policy, you could be on your own. Some policies might cover damages caused by the collapse but not the repair itself. Check with your policy carrier for the most accurate information regarding ceiling collapse coverage.